Introduction
P.S. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “post scriptum” which translates to “after something written”. It is commonly used when writing letters and other formal documents to add additional information or thoughts after the main body of the letter has been written. This article will explore what does P.S mean in letter writing and provide a comprehensive guide for using it properly in formal letters.
Exploring the Meaning of P.S. in Letter Writing
The term “postscript” first appeared in English in the early 19th century and is thought to have originated from the French post-scripte. In the past, it was typically used at the end of letters to add additional comments or thoughts that had occurred to the writer after they had finished writing the main body of the letter. Today, it is still a popular way of adding extra information to letters and is often used in both formal and informal contexts.
A Guide to Using P.S. in Formal Letters
When deciding whether to include a P.S. in a formal letter, one should consider the purpose of the letter and the importance of the additional information that they wish to convey. If the additional information is important enough to warrant inclusion in the main body of the letter, then it should be included there rather than in a P.S. However, if the information is not particularly important or relevant, then a P.S. may be an appropriate way of conveying it.
When writing a P.S. in a formal letter, it is important to adhere to certain conventions. For example, the P.S. should always be placed at the very end of the letter, and should not be preceded by any other text or punctuation. Additionally, the P.S. should be kept brief, as it is only intended to convey a few additional points that could not be included in the main body of the letter.
The History and Use of P.S. in Letter Writing
The use of P.S. in letter writing dates back to at least the 18th century. During this period, it was common for people to write lengthy letters with multiple pages, and the P.S. was often used as a way of quickly summarising the main points of the letter on the final page. This practice was particularly common among members of the aristocracy who had large estates and many correspondents, and thus needed to communicate efficiently.
Today, the P.S. is still used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a popular way of conveying additional information or making a final point without having to re-write the entire letter. It is also often used to add a personal touch to a formal letter, as it allows the writer to express their feelings and opinions in a more informal manner.
How to Write a Proper P.S. in a Letter
When writing a P.S. in a letter, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, the P.S. should be formatted correctly. It should always be placed at the end of the letter and should not be preceded by any other text or punctuation. Secondly, the content of the P.S. should be concise and relevant to the overall message of the letter. Finally, it should be written in a friendly and personal tone.
The Etiquette of Adding a P.S. to a Formal Letter
Although the P.S. is usually used as a way of adding a personal touch to a formal letter, it is important to remember that it is still part of a business document and therefore should not contain overly personal or inappropriate language. Additionally, when writing a P.S. in a formal letter, it is important to ensure that it is clear and concise, and does not distract from the overall message of the letter.
Tips for Writing a Clear and Concise P.S. in a Letter
When writing a P.S. in a letter, it is important to keep it short and to the point. The P.S. should not take up more than one paragraph and should not contain any unnecessary information. Additionally, it is important to use simple language that is easy to understand and avoid making the P.S. too personal. Finally, it is important to ensure that the P.S. is relevant to the overall message of the letter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the P.S. is an important part of letter writing and can be used to add an extra personal touch to formal documents. It is important to remember, however, that the P.S. should be used sparingly, and should always be kept short, relevant, and appropriate. By following these guidelines, one can ensure that the P.S. adds value to the letter without detracting from its overall message.
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